Flood stops St Barbara's Solomons mine

Flood stops St Barbara s Solomons mine - The West Australian

The long-term future of St Barbara's Gold Ridge operations is in doubt as the gold miner today suspended mining after deadly floods in the Solomon Islands.

At least 16 are reported dead and tens of thousands homeless after Tropical Cyclone Ita hit the Pacific nation.

St Barbara said it evacuated 200 personnel, mostly Solomon Islanders, over the weekend after the open pit mines experienced flooding and "significant damage".

The security risks became "unacceptable" after flooding damaged the only access road to the mine, cutting it off from critical food and medical supplies and fuel for electricity.

St Barbara said it recorded more than 1000mm of rain at Gold Ridge in the four days to April 4, including 500mm in a 24-hour period.

Gold Ridge produced 29,431 ounces in the six months to December 31, representing 15 per cent of St Barbara's total production.

St Barbara's managing director Tim Lehany said the company is in discussions with the Solomon Islands government over the future of the mine and an update will be provided in the company's quarterly report later this month.

Gold Ridge was acquired by St Barbara in its $556 million friendly takeover of Allied Gold. The market reaction has been nothing short of savage with St Barbara shares plummeting from $2.10 when the deal was announced in June 2012.

St Barbara shares remain in a trading halt after they last changed hands for 28 cents on Friday.

The Melbourne-based miner also operates the Gwalia and King of the Hills mines near Leonora and the Simberi mine in Papua New Guinea